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Hindustan Times
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Dil. Dard. Dishoom! How Bollywood titles are changing with the times
Pore over a list of Bollywood releases long enough, and déjà vu will hit. Two films titled Kesari came out this year. One, subtitled Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, is a follow-up to the 2019 Akshay Kumar hit of the same name. The other, with Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, and a suffix: Veer. Even when some titles seem new, old connections emerge. Chhaava, one of the year's hits, means lion cub in Marathi. That's close to the 2024 Singham Again (Singham is lion in Tamil), and Tiger 3. All three titles indicate stories of a hypermasculine hero – an idea that also echoes in this year's Deva (starring Shahid Kapoor) and Sikandar (starring Salman Khan), and Pathaan, Jawan, and Animal (2023). Jump genres, and the titles still seem like they all emerged from the same cocoon. The love stories of our time are a mouthful: Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) the upcoming Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Horror is all one-word explosions: Stree (2018), Bhediya (2022), Munjya (2024) and, absurdly, Naagzilla (out in 2026). Turns out, movie-naming is just like baby-naming. There are trends, stand-out surprises, arguments, and always someone else who had the same idea as you. Grab some popcorn, the titles are talking. Winning words Kesari has been showing up in film titles as early as 1935, in the stunt film Hind Kesari. It's appeared across languages – there's a Punjab Kesari (1938, Tamil) and an Andhra Kesari (1983, Telugu). And given that a big chunk of 2025 releases are sequels, expect winning words and phrases to recur in the movie names. 'The film industry is highly speculative,' says trade analyst Komal Nahta. 'When something works, everyone tries to follow the same model.' Producer Himanshu Mehra views it as a 'smart and intentional move'. Movies deliberately use familiar terms and colloquial phrases because that 'travels better across states and audiences'. It's an old trick. Even in the '50s and '60s, it was important that film titles be simple, yet evocative. After all, audiences would watch them over and over, often years after they were released. Hence, Awaara (1951) and Barsaat (1949). If the title was related to a song, there was a strong chance that it was a romance. 'Whether it's Dil Deke Dekho (1959) or Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), filmmakers would pick a line that was particularly hummable or powerful,' says Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, founder-director of the film-restoration initiative Film Heritage Foundation. So when Aditya Chopra capitalised on it in the '90s, with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), it was a calculated risk. Spread the word Apart from romcoms, titles today are shorter, snappier. We've moved from awkward post-liberalisation Hinglish (Jab We Met, 2007; Singh is Kinng, 2008) to being comfortable with English-only titles for masala movies (All the Best: Fun Begins, 2009; No Problem, 2010). Today's titles need to be click-worthy on streaming platforms too. It's probably why the 2022 Telugu film went simply with RRR. It's punchy and pronounceable for a pan-India and foreign audience, as well as for an Oscar jury. But there's room for creativity. We did have a romcom last year called Satyaprem Ki Katha. Filmmakers have learnt franchise-o-nomics from Hollywood, and the titles reflect it too. We have Marvel-style cinematic universes. YRF's spy-movie series bears fiery titles such as Salman Khan's Ek Tha Tiger, Hrithik Roshan's War and SRK's Pathaan. Rohit Shetty's cop-verse is connected by Ranveer Singh's Simmba and Ajay Devgn's Singham. Maddock Films' Horror Comedy Universe includes Stree and Bhediya and an upcoming vampire flick that may likely have a one-word title too. Mehra says he planned his latest movie Detective Sherdil, starring Diljit Dosanjh, 'to build a franchise around a titular character. Someone who can be can be in London, Austria, Punjab… anywhere'. The title of his 2023 film, Bloody Daddy, was chosen by director Ali Abbas Zafar with care too. 'When you hear the name, you immediately get that he's a father stuck in some crazy situation. And he will do anything to save his family.' Bloody Daddy wouldn't stand a chance in the '70s, when our films were about the common man's anger and disillusionment with the system. The titles of the time were 'potent, emotional and subject-driven,' says Dungarpur. Consider Bachchan's Angry Young Man phase: Deewar, Zanjeer (1973), Sholay (1975), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978). 'Even Amar Akbar Anthony is a great example of a title perfectly capturing the essence of the film.' Our serious films today have more calling cards: Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), Sam Bahadur (2023). 'It reflects the age we live in, where people are glued to their phones, where reality shows dominate. We're in an era of 'reality titles', so to speak,' says Dungarpur. Title case Stree was originally called O Stree, Kal Aana. Actor Rajkummar Rao suggested shortening it to sound less like the genre staples that rely on terms such as bhoot and darr. Simpler movie names are undoubtedly more evocative and powerful. But, like a good Insta handle or Tinder after 11pm, all the good ones are taken. Registering a title with the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), one of the handful of committees that allow for it in India, costs as little as ₹350, plus GST. So, producers tend to stockpile potential terms for future use. Titles that include 'Section' or 'Article' (referring to parts of the Constitution) are booked up, as are newsy keywords such as Surgical Strike. When Operation Sindoor made the headlines, industry bodies got 30 title applications in two days. 'It's a hustle,' says Nahta. 'Ninety-five percent of the producers won't even make the film. They're just hoping to resell it to a big-banner studio.' There are bound to be scalpers– it's all about the money. 'Some people demand ₹15 to ₹30 lakhs, even ₹1 crore, just for a title,' says one producer who did not wish to be named. The phrase Tujhe Dekha Toh Ye Jana Sanam is booked, as are common one-word masculine terms, and after the success of Stree, most popular terms related to female empowerment. This is an unfair business practice. 'You have to surrender a title if you're not using it,' says Anil Nagrath, secretary of the IMPPA. 'We allow a three-year hold, but you need to show production progress. If not, it's reassigned.' Trying to slip past with a spelling tweak or adding a number? The committee now checks everything: Spelling, font size, visual layout. 'You can't just shrink part of the name and sneak it through.' Understandably, there's quite a bit of infighting over this. In 2020, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar called out Karan Johar for taking Bhandarkar's already-booked title, Bollywood Wives, for the reality show The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. In other cases, there's no choice but to move on. Mehra's film Khaali Peeli (2020) was originally titled Kali Peeli, a nod to Mumbai's black-and-yellow taxis. But that title was taken too. 'So, we just twisted it into Khaali Peeli, a Bambaiya slang term that means 'just like that',' says the producer. 'It's still true to the story, and added that local flavour.' Closing credits So, is there such a thing as an ideal title? Filmmakers agree that there is. For Mehra, it's a name that strikes an emotional chord, the way Bajrangi Bhaijaan did. 'It's powerful. You have an Indian superstar, known as 'Bhaijaan', playing someone who is rooted in Hindu beliefs. It wasn't a gimmick. It felt honest.' Nahta looks for three important ingredients: 'It should be easy on the tongue. It should appeal to your senses, intellectually and emotionally. And ideally, it should convey what the film is about.' That said, a bad title can deliver an unexpected hit too. 'Consider Pratighaat (1987, a story of a woman taking on criminals and corruption). It wasn't a commonly used term for revenge, but Sujata Mehta's film was a hit.' Lost in translation Bajrangi Bhaijaan: Little Lolita's Monkey God Uncle (China) Dangal: Let's Wrestle, Dad (China) Deewaar: I'll Die For Mama! (US) Toilet: Ek Prem Katha: Toilet Hero (China), No Toilet No Bride (Germany) Seeta Aur Geeta: Seeta and Geeta: The Earthquake Sisters (Peru) The outlier Spell bound Sometimes, naming a film is less art, more astrology. In 2000, the late numerologist Bansilal M Jumaani added two extra As to Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. The movie became a massive hit, made Hrithik Roshan a superstar, and boosted tourism in New Zealand. Filmmakers believed Jumaani and his son Sanjay and daughter Swetta were on to something. Over the years they've tweaked the titles of Simmba and Singh Is Bliing, and added the Hindi tagline to Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. 'Every letter has a different vibration, and its own number,' claims Swetta Jumaani. 'Based on what number the name adds up to, we ask the filmmakers to add or delete some letters, and what colour combinations to use. Even how to orient the title, as with Chennai Express, which is tilted upwards. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is number 6, which is a good number for romance; 9 is great for action, like in Tanhaji.' They've got it wrong plenty of times too. From HT Brunch, June 21, 2025 Follow us on
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
MMRDA acquires 174 hectares in Mogarpada, Thane, for Metro depot catering to four lines near Mumbai
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has acquired 174 hectares of land in Mogarpada, Thane, near Mumbai, to develop the city's largest integrated metro depot. The facility will serve as the central operations hub for four upcoming Metro lines in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). According to MMRDA, the strategically located depot will cater to Metro Lines 4, 4A, 10, and 11, covering a combined stretch of 55.99 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Mira Road. The MMRDA said that the land has been transferred to MMRDA on an 'as-is-where-is' basis, as per the Government Resolution dated October 16, 2023. The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for all four lines were prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which recommended a single, unified depot at Mogarpada to optimise integration and efficiency, the MMRDA said in a statement. Also Read: Luxury real estate showing signs of fatigue, but inventory in the hands of strong developers: Raymond Realty CEO According to the MMRDA, the Mogarpada Depot will be designed as a critical command and maintenance hub. It will have train stabling during non-operational hours to ensure peak-time readiness, heavy overhauls and routine maintenance for all trains on the lines, lifting and equipment replacement, and full testing to ensure safety and reliability. Also Read: Will Cabinet's approval of new Metro corridors impact real estate markets in Thane and Pune? Thane, a satellite city of Mumbai, is known for its expansive real estate townships developed by prominent names such as the Hiranandani Group, Oberoi Realty, and Raymond Realty, among others. According to local brokers, apartment prices in Grade A projects range between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000 per sq ft. In two recent transactions of land in Thane, Mumbai-based listed real estate developer Arkade Developers, on June 13 announced purchasing a 6.28-acre land parcel in Thane near Mumbai for ₹172 crore. According to the company statement, the company plans to develop a mixed-use project with a projected gross development value (GDV) of ₹2,000 crore and a RERA saleable area of 9.26 lakh sq ft. Also Read: Arkade Developers acquires 6.28-acre land parcel in Thane near Mumbai for ₹172 crore Cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, in March 2025, jointly acquired a seven-acre land parcel in Owale at Thane West, near Mumbai, for Rs. 9.85 crore, according to property registration documents accessed by Square Yards. According to the property registration documents, the transaction involves seven acres of undivided land within a larger parcel spanning 30 acres and 17 guntha.
Mint
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Kajol, Karan Johar, Allu Arjun and others extend wishes on International Fathers Day
New Delhi, Jun 15 (PTI) Kajol, Suniel Shetty, Allu Arjun, and Karan Johar, were among several film celebrities who extended their heartfelt wishes on International Father's Day 2025 on Sunday. Father's Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June. Kajol shared a post on her Instagram handle comprising a throwback picture. "Confidence is the one thing people say I have in abundance… here's to the man who gave it to me and taught it to me … he used to call me his tigress and always told me to be as loud and proud as I wanted without a filter! It's his birthday this week as well and somehow it seems appropriate that father's day comes so close to his birthday. #loveyouda #missyoueveryday #happyfathersday," she wrote. Karan Johar uploaded a series of pictures on his Instagram alongside his late father and producer Yash Johar. "He made films with soul & for the soul……and he lived life with even more. He taught me that good storytelling begins with you…and your good heart. Thank you for giving me the courage to feel deeply. Thank you for giving me the courage to show these feelings on the biggest screens possible. Happy father's day papa, thank you…. for you," he wrote. Sharing a post, Suniel Shetty wrote, "No big post. No fancy words. Just a heart full of gratitude and a quiet thank you... For the love that never asked for anything in return. For being my first hero, my silent strength, My forever home. Happy Father's Day." "Happy Father's Day to my GOD," Allu Arjun wrote in his post. Genelia D'Souza shared an Instagram story and wrote, "Happy Father's Day. If the going gets tough - the tough gets going, is something that you have always taught me.. N without this mindset - I wouldn't be half the person 1am- So Thank you for being my strength - Everytime I feel I can't, I remember you saying that I can and I go ahead. TO MY BIGGEST FAN From YOUR BIGGEST FAN." Athiya Shetty wrote, "Happy Father's Day to my greatest strength. Love you, @ (heart emoticon)." Tiger Shroff re-posted a video of him alongside Jackie Shroff on his Instagram story. "Happy daddy day @apnabhidu," he said. "Happy Father's Day Dad U have always been there for everyone made their lives better & that's a quality I will always admire about u... stay happy stay healthy stay the way u are !!! Love U," Arjun Kapoor wrote on his story. "You made the world feel safe. Thank you for always being my rock. My First hero, my forever strength. Happy Father's Day, Papa. I love you," Neha Sharma wrote. Bobby Deol shared a picture alongside Dharmendra. "The man I am, the love I give and the strength I hold are all a reflection of you. Happy Father's Day! Love you Papa," he captioned it. Sunny Deol wrote, "Happy Father's Day, Papa. Your strength, your love, and your endless guidance have shaped the man. I am today. Proud to be your son- always walking in your footsteps. Love you forever. #FathersDay." Diana Penty posted a picture of her late father. "Our last photo together - Royal China, September 2007. Doing what you loved most: enjoying some good food! Safe to say I've got your genes, Daddy. Happy Father's Day in the heavens above. Hope you're raising a glass up there - with some good ol' single malt prawn patia, and an endless supply of bread pudding," she wrote. Soha Ali Khan shared a series of throwback pictures. "To the fathers we miss and the ones we hold on to - we love you #fathersday (heart emoticon)," she wrote. Other actors, including Randeep Hooda, Rakul Preet Singh and Sooraj Pancholi, also extended wishes on their respective social media handles.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Suniel Shetty remembers his 'first hero' father Veerappa with a touching tribute
Picture Credit: X On the occasion of Father's Day , actor Suniel Shetty took a walk down memory lane as he paid a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Veerappa Shetty, whom he lovingly described as his 'first hero.' Sharing an unseen childhood photo, the 'Dhadkan' actor poured his heart out in a caption that reflected love, respect, and gratitude. In his post, Suniel wrote, "No big post. No fancy words. Just a heart full of gratitude and a quiet thank you... For the love that never asked for anything in return. For being my first hero, my silent strength, My forever home. Happy Father's Day." The tribute, accompanied by a rare childhood photo, offered a glimpse into the deep bond the actor shared with his father, whom he often credits for shaping his values and resilience. In the rare childhood picture, baby Suniel is seen sitting on his father's lap, looking straight at the camera. Suniel Shetty's father, Virappa Shetty, died on February 28, 2017. At 93, he breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he was admitted for treatment. The actor's father suffered a stroke in 2013, after which Suniel is believed to have set up an entire ICU at his Mumbai residence. The 'Hera Pheri' actor had once spoken fondly about his father, Veerappa, calling him his "real hero." Suniel had recalled how his father started working at a very young age and built a life from humble beginnings. Sharing glimpses of his father's early struggles, the actor had mentioned that Veerappa worked as a waiting boy at a restaurant and would clean used plates. He also remembered how his father would sleep on flattened mustard sacks, using a rolled-up gunny bag as a pillow. As the world celebrated Father's Day on June 15, celebrities from across the entertainment industry shared touching tributes to the fathers who shaped their lives.
Hans India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Tulu Cinema on the Rise: A Busy Slate Signals a Bright Future for Coastalwood
Mangaluru: Once regarded as a modest regional film industry, Tulu cinema—often dubbed Coastalwood—is today witnessing a striking surge in both production and popularity. With over five decades of cinematic heritage, the industry is now abuzz with multiple projects simultaneously in the pipeline, prominent names joining the fray, and an optimistic shift in audience expectations. This year alone has already seen the release of a few films, and by July onward, at least 25 more are expected to queue up for release through 2026. Films like Daskat, Middle Class Family, and Meera have helped reshape the narrative, signalling to audiences that Tulu cinema is no longer confined to traditional storytelling—it's evolving, innovating, and aiming higher. From Slow Burn to Sprint The Tulu film industry, which dates back to 1971 with the release of Enna Tangadi, has released around 147 films so far. While some projects have stalled for various reasons, the pace has picked up dramatically in recent years. With fresh investments and an influx of new talent, filmmakers are racing against time—and each other—to bring their stories to the screen. However, this surge comes with its own set of challenges. A high volume of simultaneous productions has led to scheduling conflicts among actors and technicians, with even release dates becoming a matter of negotiation. Many producers are now urging for a minimum three-week gap between releases to avoid cannibalising their already limited market. Star Power Arrives What is most encouraging is that the Coastalwood movement has begun to attract actors from mainstream industries. Bollywood star Suniel Shetty has taken up a role in Jai, directed by Roopesh Shetty, while South Indian actor Suman Talwar stars in Nethrakere. Kannada actor Vasishta Simha features in Kajje, and Sandalwood icon Ganesh has joined a Tulu project produced by his wife, Shilpa Ganesh. This kind of cross-industry collaboration, once unthinkable for a niche language like Tulu, is giving a major boost to visibility and audience engagement. Upcoming Releases July will see the release of Dharmachavadi, directed by Nitin Rai Kukkavalu. In August, all eyes are on the high-profile Non Veg, directed by K Suraj Shetty and produced by Prakash Pandeshwar. Films such as Pidai by Santosh Mad and Nethrakere by Lanchulaal, starring Swaraj Shetty, are also expected to hit screens soon. Additionally, several films are in various stages of production, including Kattemar, Kailasa, Toss, Gajanan Cricketers, Manemanchavu, 90 ML, God Promise, Ayesabbas, Digil, Birdda Kambala, Life is Jingalala, Pettist, Production No.1 Chapter 1—all of which point toward a robust and evolving creative landscape. Multiplex Challenges and Financial Hurdles Despite the content boom, theatrical access remains a key challenge. Tulu films rely heavily on multiplexes, where revenue-sharing terms are skewed unfavourably compared to Kannada or Hindi films. Producers claim that the return on investment remains tight, and unless there is equitable distribution and revenue-sharing, the industry will struggle to become financially sustainable. According to Tulu Film Producers' Association President R. Dhanaraj, discussions with multiplex owners are currently underway to address revenue-sharing disparities. The Road Ahead With its market still largely restricted to coastal Karnataka, Coastalwood's growth hinges on expanding its audience beyond linguistic borders. Subtitling, streaming platforms, and cross-industry collaborations could all play crucial roles in this expansion. What remains clear is that Tulu cinema is no longer a fringe player. It's gaining momentum, bringing diverse narratives to screen, and drawing from a pool of talent that spans the length and breadth of Indian cinema. If nurtured with the right infrastructure and support, Tulu cinema could well emerge as a powerful cultural export from the southern coast of India.
